First CMV-22B arrives at NAS Patuxent River
The US Navy’s first CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotor has arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River following its ferry flight from Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas.
The aircraft is the first of two that are assigned to the squadron leading the developmental test efforts for the programme, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21. Along with representatives from Boeing and Bell, HX 21 will conduct developmental testing of the aircraft over the next year.
The first operational squadron, Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron 30, is scheduled to receive the aircraft in summer 2020 and operational testing is slated to begin in early 2021.
The CMV-22B is a variant of the MV-22B and is the replacement for the C-2A Greyhound for the Carrier Onboard Delivery mission. The aircraft will be used to transport personnel, mail, supplies and high-priority cargo from shore bases to aircraft carriers at sea. It will be capable of transporting up to 6,000lbs of cargo and/or personnel over a 1,150 nautical mile range.
The CMV-22B variant has a beyond line-of-sight high frequency radio, a public address system for passengers and an improved lighting system for cargo loading. The aircraft will also be capable of internally transporting the F-35C Lightning II engine power module.
CMV-22B is scheduled to achieve initial operational capability in 2021.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Argentina orders Bell 407s for military search and rescue missions]()
Argentina orders Bell 407s for military search and rescue missions
Argentina is to acquire six Bell 407 helicopters for search and rescue operations by the country's army and air force under a government-to-government contract with Canada.
-
![Sikorsky awaits UK New Medium Helicopter requirements to unveil production plans, explores new X2 design]()
Sikorsky awaits UK New Medium Helicopter requirements to unveil production plans, explores new X2 design
Sikorsky has yet to reveal its production plans for its UK New Medium Helicopter contender while industry anxiously anticipate the release of critical acquisition targets. The company also continues the exploration of its X helicopter concept for the international market.
-
![CH-47F Chinook Block II reaches final assembly line as wider programme moves forward]()
CH-47F Chinook Block II reaches final assembly line as wider programme moves forward
The Block II upgrade incorporates various enhancements to increase lift capability and commonality between US Army and allied fleets, reducing maintenance costs.
-
![Uruguay's African peacekeepers to receive new support helicopter]()
Uruguay's African peacekeepers to receive new support helicopter
The donation of a utility helicopter by the UA will increase the Uruguayan peacekeeping deployment’s air support capabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
-
![Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight]()
Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight
On April 22, 2023, Turkish Aerospace’s T-625 GOKBEY general-purpose helicopter conducted a test flight with an indigenous TEI-TS1400 engine for the first time.
